Students "STEP-UP" During COVID-19 Pandemic!


COVID-19 can’t stop the Student Transformative Experiences to Progress Underrepresented Professionals (STEP-UP) Summer Research Program! Utilizing technology, 17 trainees completed an integrated, innovative, and multidisciplinary educational experience in cancer prevention and control. Trainees collaborated with University of Arizona (UArizona) Cancer Center researchers and UArizona faculty to build confidence and skills in cancer prevention research. Summer activities included systematic literature searches, analysis and presentation of cancer prevention findings, completing a community-based sun safety outreach project, practicing personal cancer prevention behaviors, and more.

Through interactive chat sessions, live video calls, group projects, and even a few game nights, trainees worked as a team to make the most of their experience and have some fun along the way! The entire cohort showed incredible resilience, drive, and cooperative spirit. Congratulations, STEP-UP Class of 2020!


Summer 2020 STEP-UP Testimonial from Aja Drain, Washington University in St. Louis